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By Canoe and Dog Train: The Adventures of Sharing the Gospel with Canadian Indians
To be a missionary to Canadian Indians in the late 1800s meant you had to be brave and relentless. It meant nearly freezing when sleeping outside in 50-below-zero weather. It meant canoeing upstream for hundreds of miles to reach remote Indian villages. It meant eating wild cat and other stranger things, or eating nothing for days at a time. But it also meant you were privileged to present the good news of the true Great Spirit to those who were often misunderstood and mistreated. The adventures in this book are rivaled only by the incredible conversions of those who saw the Creator in nature and then worshipped Him too. You will be challenged and inspired by the results of one man who went where the Lord led, with little regard for himself.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1992
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229 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 10, 2025
I know, there are many these days who belittle the work of early North American missionaries.
There are just too many abject reminders in our newscasts of human weaknesses that have led to disgrace - so the press in consequence tends to belittle so many folks’ selfless ideals.
We have become a doublethink world.
Is it REALLY worth it? Look at the results...
We’ve reaped the WHIRLWIND!
But when Egerton Ryerson Young set out from central Ontario - Upper Canada it was called then - by canoe, locomotive, and Red River Cart, most people’s ideals were untarnished. People were brought up to be good believers.
That’s training that would pay enormous dividends in their lives as well as the lives of folks around them.
And the virgin forests of the North beckoned!
The young Methodist preacher Egerton Young and his wife were practical young people. Canadians who grew up here in those days didn’t scoff at hard manual labour.
And they were both comfortable in natural surroundings and gave little heed to creature comforts!
It was a vibrant land, throbbing with adventure.
There were no 24-hour news briefs to keep your feet on the ground and focus your mind - no, these two kids had their daily chores and their living faith to do that!
Boredom? Self-doubt? Ennui?
Unheard of! There was so little time in the day to accomplish just the basics.
But, back then, faith and unbounded optimism were Basic too!
There are many stirring adventures here... Reverend Young, as well as being a practised outdoorsman, was a great storyteller.
And can you imagine travelling to a strange land and having to trust your new Native friends IMPLICITLY, without fears, qualms, or incipient nightmares - unarmed - and having enough courage in your convictions to patiently clarify to them, mainly through signs, why Faith Really Matters?
And that’s ALL you have to go on - no gadgets to pin down where in tarnation you are (if you’re lost in the woods), no weather forecasts, no solid three meals a day.
You’re on your OWN, kids!
I really liked this book.
It isn’t fast-paced action, but it will remind you of the things and values that USED to matter before the current Ice Age of cynicism gripped our world in its rags of despair.
A time when Reverend Young and so many hard-working ordinary people could look back at the end of a long life of achievement and be, as the poet says:
...content, if our temporal reversion nourish
(Not too far from the yew-tree)
The life of significant soil.
And the soil of the Youngs’ life was indeed significant.
It had to be, being so full of Faith.
There are just too many abject reminders in our newscasts of human weaknesses that have led to disgrace - so the press in consequence tends to belittle so many folks’ selfless ideals.
We have become a doublethink world.
Is it REALLY worth it? Look at the results...
We’ve reaped the WHIRLWIND!
But when Egerton Ryerson Young set out from central Ontario - Upper Canada it was called then - by canoe, locomotive, and Red River Cart, most people’s ideals were untarnished. People were brought up to be good believers.
That’s training that would pay enormous dividends in their lives as well as the lives of folks around them.
And the virgin forests of the North beckoned!
The young Methodist preacher Egerton Young and his wife were practical young people. Canadians who grew up here in those days didn’t scoff at hard manual labour.
And they were both comfortable in natural surroundings and gave little heed to creature comforts!
It was a vibrant land, throbbing with adventure.
There were no 24-hour news briefs to keep your feet on the ground and focus your mind - no, these two kids had their daily chores and their living faith to do that!
Boredom? Self-doubt? Ennui?
Unheard of! There was so little time in the day to accomplish just the basics.
But, back then, faith and unbounded optimism were Basic too!
There are many stirring adventures here... Reverend Young, as well as being a practised outdoorsman, was a great storyteller.
And can you imagine travelling to a strange land and having to trust your new Native friends IMPLICITLY, without fears, qualms, or incipient nightmares - unarmed - and having enough courage in your convictions to patiently clarify to them, mainly through signs, why Faith Really Matters?
And that’s ALL you have to go on - no gadgets to pin down where in tarnation you are (if you’re lost in the woods), no weather forecasts, no solid three meals a day.
You’re on your OWN, kids!
I really liked this book.
It isn’t fast-paced action, but it will remind you of the things and values that USED to matter before the current Ice Age of cynicism gripped our world in its rags of despair.
A time when Reverend Young and so many hard-working ordinary people could look back at the end of a long life of achievement and be, as the poet says:
...content, if our temporal reversion nourish
(Not too far from the yew-tree)
The life of significant soil.
And the soil of the Youngs’ life was indeed significant.
It had to be, being so full of Faith.
January 14, 2022
What an amazing life Egerton Ryerson Young experienced living among the Cree people at the northern end of Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba! In 1868 he accepted an invitation to be a missionary in Norway House, a town that had already been settled thanks to the work of his predecessor, a missionary named James Evans, who created the syllabic writing system for Ojibwe and Cree.
Young's new wife went with him to this remote mission outpost. They lived there for years building their family as well as building positive relationships with the Cree people, many of whom were Christians, and many others who welcomed the presence of a Christian missionary in their land.
As part of his missionary work Rev. Young had to visit outlying missions as far away as 1hree hundred miles. He would visit them twice annually. As this took place back in the 1800's the customary modes of transportation were dog trains/sleds in winter months, and canoes on waterways during summer.
The winter trips involved temperatures as low as -50, camping in the outdoors many times during each journey, and booties for the dogs who sometimes decided their feet were too cold. Everything was described in detail - what they ate, the mistakes he made, and how he learned to sleep well in such dreadfully cold circumstances. He always had Christian Cree natives as guides and companions.
I know there are other reviews saying this book was not well written, but I didn't notice that at all. It is a lengthy memoir but I found the writing style acceptable and the information about culture, religion, and many details of life, all fascinated me.
I'll leave you with this beautiful description of the Aurora Borealis:
With few exceptions, our nights were glorious, especially when the Northern Lights held one of their grand carnivals with the vast Lake Winnipeg as their field of action. Generally beginning in the far north with a majestic sweep, they came marching on, filling the very heavens with their colored bars, or flashing, ever changing, yet always beautiful clouds of brightness and glory. Sometimes they would form a magnificent corona at the zenith and from its dazzling splendor shoot out long columns of different colored lights, which rested upon the far off frozen shores. Often have I seen a cloud of light flit swiftly across these tinted bars, as if a hand were sweeping the strings of some grand harp. So startling was the resemblance that there was an instinctive listening for the sound that we used to think ought to come. Sometimes I have suddenly stopped my dogs and men, when we have been travelling amid these fascinating and breath-taking glories of the heavens above us. We have listened for that rustling sound of celestial harmony, which some Arctic travellers claim they have heard, and which seemed to me so evident that we ought to hear. But although for years I have watched and listened amid the death stillness of these snowy wastes, I have never heard any sounds. Amid all their flashing and changing glories, these resplendent beauties always seemed as voiceless as the stars above them.
Young's new wife went with him to this remote mission outpost. They lived there for years building their family as well as building positive relationships with the Cree people, many of whom were Christians, and many others who welcomed the presence of a Christian missionary in their land.
As part of his missionary work Rev. Young had to visit outlying missions as far away as 1hree hundred miles. He would visit them twice annually. As this took place back in the 1800's the customary modes of transportation were dog trains/sleds in winter months, and canoes on waterways during summer.
The winter trips involved temperatures as low as -50, camping in the outdoors many times during each journey, and booties for the dogs who sometimes decided their feet were too cold. Everything was described in detail - what they ate, the mistakes he made, and how he learned to sleep well in such dreadfully cold circumstances. He always had Christian Cree natives as guides and companions.
I know there are other reviews saying this book was not well written, but I didn't notice that at all. It is a lengthy memoir but I found the writing style acceptable and the information about culture, religion, and many details of life, all fascinated me.
I'll leave you with this beautiful description of the Aurora Borealis:
With few exceptions, our nights were glorious, especially when the Northern Lights held one of their grand carnivals with the vast Lake Winnipeg as their field of action. Generally beginning in the far north with a majestic sweep, they came marching on, filling the very heavens with their colored bars, or flashing, ever changing, yet always beautiful clouds of brightness and glory. Sometimes they would form a magnificent corona at the zenith and from its dazzling splendor shoot out long columns of different colored lights, which rested upon the far off frozen shores. Often have I seen a cloud of light flit swiftly across these tinted bars, as if a hand were sweeping the strings of some grand harp. So startling was the resemblance that there was an instinctive listening for the sound that we used to think ought to come. Sometimes I have suddenly stopped my dogs and men, when we have been travelling amid these fascinating and breath-taking glories of the heavens above us. We have listened for that rustling sound of celestial harmony, which some Arctic travellers claim they have heard, and which seemed to me so evident that we ought to hear. But although for years I have watched and listened amid the death stillness of these snowy wastes, I have never heard any sounds. Amid all their flashing and changing glories, these resplendent beauties always seemed as voiceless as the stars above them.
March 17, 2017
This book is a wonderful mix of travel tales, gospel witness, wilderness survival tips, and observations about life in remote Canada in pioneer days. It would be a good read for history buffs or outdoor enthusiasts, in addition to anyone who enjoys a good narrative. I think it would also be a good book to give to boys to read, even boys that don't generally like reading - there's adventure, instructions on making things, and examples of men working shoulder to shoulder on difficult tasks or in dangerous situations.
January 31, 2022
Growing up, one of my favourite books was Lost in the Barrens. Reading this memoir brought me back to those days, with the adventures and the close calls they experienced traveling by canoe and dog train. I enjoyed the honesty he shared in his experiences adapting to life in the rural area of northern Manitoba and to Indigenous culture.
Want to read
January 4, 2024By canoe and dog train among the Cree and Saulteaux Indians, Young, Egerton Ryerson, 1840-1909
F1060.9 Y7 1991, Historical Society Library
F1060.9 Y7 1890, WHS State Archives Preservation Facility
https://search.library.wisc.edu/catal...
https://search.library.wisc.edu/searc...
F1060.9 Y7 1991, Historical Society Library
F1060.9 Y7 1890, WHS State Archives Preservation Facility
https://search.library.wisc.edu/catal...
https://search.library.wisc.edu/searc...
June 28, 2019
What a fantastic book! Reading it has been a great blessing to me. Part of me longs to be a part of the life of these wonderful Christians. I feel like I got to meet family members I didn't know I had, which in truth, I had. It's wonderful to read about people with a true faith, living their faith like the first Christians we read about in the Bible. It also makes me feel sad as well. Sad that our Lord doesn't see that very often when He looks down at Christians today. But the book is also encouraging, as it encourages us to live like Jesus did. I wish every Christian would read this. This is a fascinating book to read!
August 8, 2017
This is a difficult book to read - as in slow and thoughtful. I learned a lot about the original missionaries teaching in very difficult climates. Book is full of interesting tidbits about the food they ate and how they had to sleep in the winter while trekking with their faces completely covered.
August 29, 2015
Excellent and informative
This person went through alot of difficulties to spread the Gospel. However, GOD blessed him and he was very successful. Good read. We think we have it tough, but not like this person had.
This person went through alot of difficulties to spread the Gospel. However, GOD blessed him and he was very successful. Good read. We think we have it tough, but not like this person had.
October 23, 2016
Written in the late 1800's the style is quite difficult to follow, but as a piece of history this was quite fascinating. Amazing to think of the hardships that missionaries of this era subjected themselves to 'to bring the Light' to Native Canadians.
October 27, 2022
It is not that this book is so well written, it is that the stories within it are amazing and humbling! In the mid 1800s, Egerton Young is newly married and called from a prosperous church and ministry to a missionary work among the Cree Indians in what was then, the Northwest Territories. He and his bride chose to leave comfort and plenty behind to give of themselves to help a people who were increasingly threatened and often destitute.
Young and his wife persevered through a death of one of their young children, isolation, lack of adequate food, at times (they once ate approximately 3 fish a day for an entire month as food supplies were depleted), freezing cold, loneliness, exhaustion and much more.This tidbit says much: He had two teams of dogs to feed , and the family, thus Young needed a supply of about 10 thousand fish a year just to survive , not necessarily thrive.
Traveling days in bitter cold, learning to sleep Indian style in the snow, battling mosquitos and heat in the summer, deep into forests venturing into the unknown, crossing lake Winnipeg in bitter cold ice, snow, blizzards...so many more primitive situations and sacrifice I cannot begin to tell of them, to bring a word of comfort, hope, peace and give materially what they were able to.
What stood out to me was that he and his wife felt compelled to give basically all they had and then some, materially, emotionally, and spiritually to help a people who often were starving, filthy, and desperate. There are stories of visiting the Cree families in their houses (wigwam type), taking dinners, night after night. Meager as it might be, it was all the Young family had and a feast to the Cree families. They would set a table (on the floor), share a meal, and then Young's wife would begin to clean up and scrub and clean the children and teach the women, little by little how to make clothes, ways to prepare foods they could grow and so much more. They ministered to the physical person and the spiritual. Hundreds from many tribes came to believe in "the Great Spirit", God Almighty, the Lord Jesus Christ. Some became ministers amongst their own people. They loved Missionary, as they called him and would anticipate his visits to their remote tribes.
It is humbling to read of the sacrifice made, while in our time we live so well and there is such hoarding greed, especially in the western world.
People need to read this book whether Christian or not. The endurance and fierce love that is so evident in the telling of their life's work, will make one think over his or her own life and the legacy that will carry on.
Young and his wife persevered through a death of one of their young children, isolation, lack of adequate food, at times (they once ate approximately 3 fish a day for an entire month as food supplies were depleted), freezing cold, loneliness, exhaustion and much more.This tidbit says much: He had two teams of dogs to feed , and the family, thus Young needed a supply of about 10 thousand fish a year just to survive , not necessarily thrive.
Traveling days in bitter cold, learning to sleep Indian style in the snow, battling mosquitos and heat in the summer, deep into forests venturing into the unknown, crossing lake Winnipeg in bitter cold ice, snow, blizzards...so many more primitive situations and sacrifice I cannot begin to tell of them, to bring a word of comfort, hope, peace and give materially what they were able to.
What stood out to me was that he and his wife felt compelled to give basically all they had and then some, materially, emotionally, and spiritually to help a people who often were starving, filthy, and desperate. There are stories of visiting the Cree families in their houses (wigwam type), taking dinners, night after night. Meager as it might be, it was all the Young family had and a feast to the Cree families. They would set a table (on the floor), share a meal, and then Young's wife would begin to clean up and scrub and clean the children and teach the women, little by little how to make clothes, ways to prepare foods they could grow and so much more. They ministered to the physical person and the spiritual. Hundreds from many tribes came to believe in "the Great Spirit", God Almighty, the Lord Jesus Christ. Some became ministers amongst their own people. They loved Missionary, as they called him and would anticipate his visits to their remote tribes.
It is humbling to read of the sacrifice made, while in our time we live so well and there is such hoarding greed, especially in the western world.
People need to read this book whether Christian or not. The endurance and fierce love that is so evident in the telling of their life's work, will make one think over his or her own life and the legacy that will carry on.
July 2, 2019
Wow! Talk about the love of Jesus and for the lost!!! Only that could have these men ( and their wives), endure the incredible conditions. Today people might marvel at someone who did something similar for a month or two or even three months......but this missionaries did this for 10, 20, 30 years!!!
Talk about sacrifice! I cannot imagine it, as I sit in my comfy warm home.
Eating nothing but fish for breakfast, lunch and dinner for months on end ( assuming your were blessed to get even that). And sleeping outdoors in 50 degrees below zero to reach the lost....that is dedication and love almost unimaginable! And yet they did it over and over.
Oh! and travelling, with no cars, no trains, just by dog sleds or canoes.
And inventing a way for the Indians to be able to read the Bible themselves.
And the greatest reward was to be blessed by God to see many saved!!
I highly recommend this book. So many Christians today feel virtuous to have spent a whole hour in church on Sunday and to have read their Bible 10 minutes each day, and maybe to leave a gospel tract in a bathroom, now and again.
Well, this book puts a whole different light on living for the Lord!!
Talk about sacrifice! I cannot imagine it, as I sit in my comfy warm home.
Eating nothing but fish for breakfast, lunch and dinner for months on end ( assuming your were blessed to get even that). And sleeping outdoors in 50 degrees below zero to reach the lost....that is dedication and love almost unimaginable! And yet they did it over and over.
Oh! and travelling, with no cars, no trains, just by dog sleds or canoes.
And inventing a way for the Indians to be able to read the Bible themselves.
And the greatest reward was to be blessed by God to see many saved!!
I highly recommend this book. So many Christians today feel virtuous to have spent a whole hour in church on Sunday and to have read their Bible 10 minutes each day, and maybe to leave a gospel tract in a bathroom, now and again.
Well, this book puts a whole different light on living for the Lord!!
December 29, 2017
A thrilling account of 1800s missionary work in the Canadian wilderness. This book is full of amazing stories of God working through various missionaries to completely change the lives of the Indians living in the remote parts of the Great White North. While the missionaries had to endure unfathomable challenges to get to, interact with, and share the gospel with the isolated villages, it is evident that God was preparing the hearts of the Indians to receive the Gospel even before the missionaries planned to reach them. This book is an easy read, thoroughly entertaining, and contains valuable insight on how to persevere for the sake of the Gospel.
May 19, 2020
We live in a world today where sharing the gospel is received as hate and the Christian sharing it is considered a racist.
We hear such horror stories from the residential schools
But this book shows the love shared between a white man and the natives, and a gospel told in love which changes the people for good. There is no racism in this book, only hard work and respect for the people who live so remotely on this land.
I am thankful I read this book. My I love the people in my community as Egerton Young did.
We hear such horror stories from the residential schools
But this book shows the love shared between a white man and the natives, and a gospel told in love which changes the people for good. There is no racism in this book, only hard work and respect for the people who live so remotely on this land.
I am thankful I read this book. My I love the people in my community as Egerton Young did.
October 25, 2019
Take the Word
This is an astounding testimony about the power of God working through Christians to achieve amazing success in leading thousands to accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior, Lord and brother. Reading this book will stoke the love of God in your heart and renew your zeal to share God's enduring love and grace with those God arranges for you to meet on the highways and byways of life.
This is an astounding testimony about the power of God working through Christians to achieve amazing success in leading thousands to accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior, Lord and brother. Reading this book will stoke the love of God in your heart and renew your zeal to share God's enduring love and grace with those God arranges for you to meet on the highways and byways of life.
March 29, 2020
Amazing true stories of the harsh yet hopeful life of a missionary to the Indians. Mr. Young's perseverance and faith in Christ and love for the Indians is inspiring to hear about. This was my first missionary biography to read, free on Kindle. Each chapter, I started with apathy, but was soon enthralled in the story and the amazing providence of God. All in all, it was worth the long read!
October 25, 2023
Very much enjoyed this one. I've read many missionary stories but I don't know much about missions to the Native Americans so it was fun hearing about it from one writing in the 1880s. The accounts about his travels and experiences was fun. His accounts of Native Americans rejoicing in the light of the gospel was even more fun!
I know he later helped start schools that partnered with the government and it was a disaster. I'd love to hear an updated book from a Christian perspective seeing what's happened since and the current state of the gospel among these peoples.
I know he later helped start schools that partnered with the government and it was a disaster. I'd love to hear an updated book from a Christian perspective seeing what's happened since and the current state of the gospel among these peoples.
June 28, 2019
Excellent documentary
This book gives a first hand account of being a missionary in the late 19 the century in Canada to the native tribes. The Indian presented were treated as brothers and sisters and the Living Word presented in form they could understand.
This book gives a first hand account of being a missionary in the late 19 the century in Canada to the native tribes. The Indian presented were treated as brothers and sisters and the Living Word presented in form they could understand.
April 8, 2020
A great history of the early missionaries to the Indians in Canada. I believe this book would be a good guide for missionaries today as it shows the men sharing the Gospel without forcing their beliefs on anyone.
May 6, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this story. Well-written memoir of mission work in Canada. I shivered when reading of his exploits in the frozen north. Wonderful accounting of the indigenous peoples and the dogs that were part of the missionary's life and work.
September 23, 2021
Introducing the northern Indian tribes to Jesus Christ the Lord
Of
All creation , and extolling the virtues of living life in and through him with thanksgiving and blessed peace.
Of
All creation , and extolling the virtues of living life in and through him with thanksgiving and blessed peace.
June 13, 2024
Amazing story
Life and ministry of early Methodist missionaries among the Cree of Manitoba. Details some very interesting stories of their lives and travels by wagon, canoe, dog train and foot to reach the people.
Life and ministry of early Methodist missionaries among the Cree of Manitoba. Details some very interesting stories of their lives and travels by wagon, canoe, dog train and foot to reach the people.
September 12, 2021
This was an excellent book. It gives a totally new picture of life on the frontier during the late 1800’s.
January 29, 2023
Very informative. Not a book that's hard to put down.
Read
March 8, 2017Great story of missionary work in native American areas in the far north of Manitoba. Circa 1860s
forward. It reveals the hardships of both the lives of the native Americans and the hardships overcome by the men bringing Christ and the new life he offers.
The Indians were hungry forthe truth once they had tasted of the gospel. Their lives were profoundly changed and narratives of individual believers should convict people in this present day of our addiction to the vain things. Highly recommend this book and will only add that it may not be a very polished literature but well worth the read.
forward. It reveals the hardships of both the lives of the native Americans and the hardships overcome by the men bringing Christ and the new life he offers.
The Indians were hungry forthe truth once they had tasted of the gospel. Their lives were profoundly changed and narratives of individual believers should convict people in this present day of our addiction to the vain things. Highly recommend this book and will only add that it may not be a very polished literature but well worth the read.
February 9, 2015
Great first person narrative about the lives of Indians (from the perspective of a Christian missionary) in Canada in the 1850-70s.
August 21, 2015
Great and Godly Book!
I was so blessed as i read the stories of Godly men & women who spent their lives preaching and living the Gospel to and for Canadian Indians.
I was so blessed as i read the stories of Godly men & women who spent their lives preaching and living the Gospel to and for Canadian Indians.
April 30, 2018
so interesting! 1860s missionary in Manitoba. even mentions Sarnia!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews